The health and safety of individuals in the United States and other nations are seriously threatened by illicit synthetic substances. And the worst drug threat to the population of the United States continues to be illicit synthetic opioids from foreign sources, such as fentanyl.
According to the CDC, more than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2021, with synthetic opioids accounting for two-thirds of these deaths.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid similar to morphine but significantly stronger. Patients with extreme pain are treated with this prescription medication, but it also has been manufactured synthetically and sold on the streets and underground. Because of its great strength, rapid onset, and long-lasting intended effects, fentanyl is very addictive.
However, opioids are extremely lethal.
Why is Fentanyl Such a Dangerous Drug?
In 1960, Paul Janssen created the first fentanyl. It was the market’s quickest-acting opioid at the time. Even now, some people still use fentanyl to manage their chronic pain because this medication is safe if prescribed and used as directed.
Also, fentanyl-prescribed patients are regularly monitored due to the likelihood of fentanyl abuse.
Here are other reasons why fentanyl is dangerous:
- Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin.
- Fentanyl does not have a smell or taste. You would not know if a pill or powder contains fentanyl.
- You only need 2mg of fentanyl to kill you.
- It is possible to overdose on a prescription fentanyl patch.
- Using it with other drugs like opioids, alcohol, or sedatives has a higher risk of overdose.
Where Does Illicit Fentanyl Come From?
Street fentanyl came from three main sources, including:
- Illegal drug labs. Fentanyl is most frequently produced in Chinese laboratories and transported through trade directly to the United States. It is frequently converted into counterfeit heroin or narcotic tablets and then delivered from dealers to customers who place orders on the black market.
- Organized crime groups. Several Mexican organized crime groups import fentanyl into the United States for street sale. Aside from Mexican organizations, there are also Asian organized criminal syndicates operating outside of Canada.
- Misused patches. Fentanyl is also obtained by stealing or buying fentanyl patches from the owners.
The Signs of Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl overdose is extremely dangerous. The amount of oxygen getting to the brain can decrease when someone overdoses due to slowed breathing.
Here are signs to look out for if you think someone is experiencing an overdose:
- Lips turning blue
- Gurgling sounds with breathing
- Stiffening of the body
- Seizure-like activity
- Foaming at the mouth
- Confusion or strange behavior
- Unresponsiveness
If you or someone you know wants to recover from fentanyl addiction, Skyward Treatment is here. Our medical staff are all licensed experts ready to guide you.
If you want to learn more about our Fentanyl Addiction Treatment, do not hesitate to reach out. We are located in Houston, Texas.
Start your recovery now!